The Chieftain

The Chieftain (or, "Chief") was the leader of Shep's Firbolg clan, and had been for several generations. The exact date of birth is unknown, but Chief's druidic magic was incredibly advanced, allowing a lifespan of over 2000 years old, aging only one year for every 10 that passed. Under Chief's leadership, Darach Forest was a natural sanctuary. Chief was responsible for brokering peace with the dragon Valmera, ensuring a sustainable food supply for the dragon, and bountiful resources for the denizens of the forest. Despite advanced age, Chief did not choose a successor for hundreds of years, feeling that none of the other Firbolgs quite had the qualities needed to take over.

Perhaps it was the strain of long life, or maybe a sense of the plague that was on its way to Darach Forest, but Chief finally saw in Shep the qualities necessary to lead the clan. Chief took Shep on as an apprentice, and trained Shep in the druidic arts. As a druidic focus, Chief gifted Shep with a quarterstaff made from a branch of the tree in which Shep was born; an item that Shep carries to this day.

When Shep first came to Chief with concerns about the growing corruption, Chief was dismissive. But it was not out of a lack of concern; quite the opposite. Chief had sensed what was coming years ago and was well-aware of the threat it posed. But Chief felt that Shep was not ready to face the corruption head-on. Chief was trying to protect Shep until Shep was adequately trained and strong enough to lead. But the gods had different plans, and Chief finally acquiesced, sending Shep to find the root of the corruption.

While Shep was gone, Valmera attacked the clan. She was ravenous from the dwindling food supply, and driven mad by the corruption originating from the mountains. Chief defended the stronghold with the help of what few trained soldiers the Firbolgs had, but they ultimately fell to the dragon. The Firbolgs were a peaceful people, focused more on living in harmony with the world and maintaining balance in the forest than they were on martial skill and defenses. Chief was turned to ash with the rest of the soldiers before the dragon ate the rest of the clan.